Warm weather is finally here, barbecues are ready and waiting to be fired up, and weekend parties are right around the corner. As happy of a time as spring is, let's be honest: It's summer that's everyone's favorite. The lazy days spent in the pool; the Saturday afternoon BBQs; family vacations. I mean, who wouldn't love summer? (Yes, even if you do have a house full of crazy kids home all day.) But if you ask me, the best spot to be on a sunny day or even a warm summer night is lounging on the back porch, surrounded by family and friends. And you might be surprised by how much people are stepping up their game these days when it comes to warm and inviting porch decor. In fact, just a quick scroll through Pinterest or Instagram will serve up some major back porch eye candy.
Outdoor area rugs. Comfy porch couches. Fire pits and swinging porch swings and bistro lights overhead. Oh, and let's not forget the hanging rope hammock! Yep; a great back porch setup can really set the tone for a great BBQ — and an epic summer. Looking for a little inspiration? We've rounded up 33 back porches with a style all their own. There are decks that have been transformed into cozy corners that guests won't be able to resist settling into. And screened-in porches that'll make them feel one with nature, without having to deal with pesky bugs. And even tiny balcony porches for city dwellers that have been turned into a dreamy oasis high above the bustling city. It's all here — and ready to serve as inspiration for even more welcoming outdoor spaces.
Southern Charm
The laid-back, Southern style of those rocking chairs make this little back porch even more inviting. Doesn't this cute little porch look like it was just made for guests to sip some sweet tea from while gossiping about the neighbors?
Family Style
Hmm … think anyone would care if I invited myself over for dinner?
Seriously, though, this back porch was just made for throwing unforgettable dinner parties.
Lounging in Luxury
Well HELLO there, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous …
This backyard setup is serious back porch goals, with plenty of comfy seating and an incredible fireplace to gather 'round.
Grandma's House
Doesn't this porch feel like it belongs to family? With its partial wraparound design and classic style, it's perfect for sitting on and telling stories.
Backyard Kitchen
This dreamy back porch is nothing short of gorgeous, from its unique patio furniture to its calming colors to its … woah, check out that grill! I think we can all agree that a built-in grill takes any backyard to the next level.
Lakefront Living
This relaxing porch overlooks a backyard that leads to a lake — and I honestly can't imagine a more tranquil setting. (I can just hear the water lapping against the dock.)
Hidden Oasis
This fun little corner of the deck was made into a private sitting space, thanks to a large wooden screen, comfy patio furniture, and the lovely ambiance of bistro lights.
Country Living
This cozy southern backyard is so purty, no one will ever want to leave it. So pull up a chair!
Southwest Modern Style
How bohemian is this? For anyone who's a fan of a eclectic decor and Southwestern vibes, this beautiful back porch has all that and then some.
Treetop View
OMG — the view from the top of this back deck is simply stunning. I could get lost in thought staring off into those treetops any day of the week …
Cool Summer
This comfy back porch almost has a safari feel to it, with its exotic-looking greenery and tropical-inspired decor. Lounging there must feel like a vacation.
The Simple Life
This no-fuss porch doesn't have any bells and whistles at all — and yet, I could sit here all day with a good book or a friend.
The Gathering Place
Gathering together is exactly what friends and fam will want to do on this cozy porch, which features rocking chairs, a roomy porch couch, and a whole lot of style.
Pop of Color
For some reason, I can totally see the Golden Girls lounging in this backyard, or it is just me?
Eclectic Elegance
This simple arrangement is made even more inviting with a trendy outdoor rug, a stylish throw blanket, and a string of lights. It also offers lots of ideas for zhuzhing up a space with potted plants and flowers that add color and a bit of life to an outdoor space.
City Perch
Who says amazing back porches are only in the country? This back porch might be on the tiny side, because it's in the middle of a big city, but where it's short on size, it makes up for in style.
All White Everything
This crisp white porch has the same appeal as those all-white kitchens that draw us in (and make us wonder how in the world they stay clean with kids).
Go for a Swing
Who wouldn't want to go for a ride on this cozy porch swing? It was made for fun — and for curling up into with a good book.
Calming Retreat
How zen is this? With its relaxing decor, this sweet backyard retreat can't help but lull visitors into a place of calm.
Best of Both Worlds
This inviting porch has the perfect mix of indoor/outdoor decor that offers guests a place to kick up their feet and eat a meal while gathered around the table.
Backyard Maze
This intricate deck design was literally made for large backyard parties. Just check out all that seating space!
Dreamy Escape
Talk about cozy! Sheer drapes, twinkling lights, and a comfy faux fur throw make this backyard oasis a place no one will want to leave.
Secret Garden
Forget the porch decor — this gorgeous backyard features beautiful pink flowers cascading down the roof and onto the porch that invite you to come over with their beauty.
Simple Elegance
There's nothing over the top about this pretty white porch display, and that's exactly why I love it. Its laid-back style mixed with a dose of European flair makes you want to come over and sit for a while.
Cozy Corner
This comfy arrangement is made even better with a warm string of lights. (Honestly, bistro lights might just be the best thing to ever happen to backyards.)
Indoor/Outdoor
Woah — now this is nice. This spacious screened-in porch feels more like an extension of the home than a back deck, and that's exactly how it's meant to be. Lounging outside without the annoyance of pesky bugs does have its perks!
Swingin' Summer
It's amazing what a good porch swing can do, isn't it? Toss an outdoor rug below, and throw on a few decorative pillows, and it's pretty much set.
A Cool Spot
Grab a seat on this shady porch, perfect for lounging on warm sunny days. When the heat gets to be too much, you can always turn on the fans to create a cool breeze.
Country Porch
Well, isn't this dreamy. If you need me, I'll just be fantasizing about sitting on this back porch all weekend long …
All in Bloom
The overgrown greenery on this back porch is really something special, isn't it? For the ultimate plant ladies out there, this might just lend some much-needed inspiration.
Good Vibes Only
The wall decor on this back porch says it all: It's a space that makes visitors feel happy in all the right ways. With some Southwest-inspired decor, comfy chairs, and a welcoming style all its own, this back porch gets two thumbs up.
Wide Open Spaces
Talk about spacious! This deck seems to go on and on … and on — which makes it a wonderful spot for entertaining during large family gatherings or backyard parties. Who wouldn't want to attend?
A Great Spot
Don't have a ton of cash to dump into a back porch redesign? No problem. It's amazing how a stylish outdoor rug, some comfortable chairs, and a pillow or two will transform a space.